Here we talk about everything happening around Microsoft’s latest operating system in the Stable channel and preview builds: new features, removed features, controversies, bugs, interesting findings, and more. And of course, you may find a word or two about older but still supported versions.
Windows 11 Version 24H2 and Copilot+ PCs
Windows 11 version 24H2 is now available for download, but it is not what you think it is. KB5039239 is only available to those with Copilot+ PCs, not regular Intel or AMD-based computers. Version 24H2 for those systems is coming later this year.
Speaking of Copilot+ PCs, Qualcomm is reportedly working on more chips for Windows devices, including low-end models that will make it possible to lower the price tag and create more affordable Windows on ARM devices.
If you are still unsure whether you need to buy a Copilot+ PC or not, check out the list of exclusive features these computers will get you. It contains quite a lot of capabilities, which are currently available only on devices with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors.
Recent Bugs and Issues
This week, Microsoft confirmed quite a few bugs in the latest updates for its operating system. For starters, KB5036979 and KB5037768 for Windows 10 break right-click for the New Teams, Outlook, and other parts of the operating system. Microsoft is working on a fix, and it will be available in a future update.
Upgrades from Windows 11 Professional to Windows 11 Enterprise do not work. An attempt to upgrade after installing KB5036893 will result in the 0x80070005 error. There are currently no workarounds, so affected customers should sit tight and wait for a fix.
Some Windows 11 users cannot open the Photos app due to group policy conflicts. Fortunately, this one does not affect regular home users. Therefore, you should be ok if you have a non-managed device.
Finally, Microsoft released an out-of-band update for Windows Server 2022 to address SQL issues caused by the June 2024 Patch Tuesday updates.
Windows Insider Program
Here is what Microsoft Released this week for testing in the Windows Insider Program:
- Canary Channel: 26241 (Windows 11)
- Dev Channel: Not Applicable
- Beta Channel: 22635.3790 (Windows 11)
- Release Preview Channel: 26100.994 (Windows 10)
The biggest change that was announced for Windows Insiders this week is, hands-down, the new sidebar for the Start menu. Insiders can try out the new Phone Link pane that shows brief information about your phone, quick access links, and other things.
One of the recent Canary builds in the Windows Insider program quietly introduced a bunch of upgrades for the Recall feature. It now has the so-called Screenray thing that can quickly analyze what is happening on your screen. Also, Microsoft reworked the home screen, introduced topics, search filters, a better Copilot integration, and more.
The latest Beta Channel build also has some interesting, albeit undocumented stuff. Enthusiasts discovered two feature IDs that allow switching the tray clock to a compact date view and turning off the notification bell.
Another change available for Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel (both Windows 10 and 11) is the Copilot app. It now behaves as a regular app, giving users a more flexible experience.
Updates are Available
This section covers software, firmware, and other notable updates (released and coming soon) delivering new features, security fixes, improvements, patches, and more from Microsoft and third parties.
PowerToys, everyone’s favorite utility toolset for Windows 10 and Windows 11, has received an update that brings new features and improvements. The latest version includes enhancements to FancyZones, PowerRename, and other tools within the suite.
